Al Taawun Mall is located on the Dubai-Sharjah border, a busy area surrounded by the beautiful lagoons of Al Khan and Al Mumzar, as a modern shopping mall. It is not just another mall, but a community location where families shop for groceries, friends enjoy coffee, and families find bargains on everything from clothing to fresh fruit. The location on the highway means that the mall sees a mix of shoppers from both emirates, combining the convenience of daily life with a slightly different, but still familiar, laid-back Sharjah vibe. Anyone living in the UAE looking for a less explored entertaining outing with much variety, and without the crowds found while shopping at larger malls, could turn to Al Taawun Mall.
This article reviews other key highlights within the mall, attractions, convenient access, and options to plan a visit for a loosely structured outing.
Location and Accessibility
Al Taawun Mall can be found at the heart of Al Taawun Road, directly in front of Al Ittihad Street in the Al Khan neighborhood in Sharjah. This central location is only a hop away from the Dubai–Sharjah border, overlooking the northern lagoons for those pleasant drives. The entrance to the shopping mall is simple and parking for cars as well as drop-off for taxis is easy.
Depending on traffic, it takes about 20–30 minutes from Dubai on the E11 (Sheik Maktoum Road) or on Ittihad Road. If traveling northbound from Deira or Al Nahda, just look for the Taawun Roundabout signs, you can’t miss the massive façade of the mall, which stands 23.5 meters high. If arriving from public transport, alight on Ittihad Road at Ansar Mall. Bus routes from Dubai’s Al Ghubaiba or Union stations are E303, E304, or E306, and you will spend about 20 minutes walking or a taxi ride later on. If the public transport route is a bit convoluted, the routes within Sharjah are much better suited for time, a ten–fifteen fifteen-minute ride from downtown via Al Wahda highway. The strategic location of the site also brings traffic, keeping the area alive without isolation.
History and Ownership
In the early 2000s, Al Taawun Mall was developed as a community-based initiative with funding from the Government of Sharjah, the Awqaf Department, and the Islamic Development Bank. Designed for a developing residential community in Al Taawun that included a vibrant mix of individuals drawn to inexpensive housing and its proximity to Dubai, the mall quickly became a community staple. The mall has beautifully designed grants a unique look with a fortress type building that fuses contemporary lines with functional spaces, designed to be family-friendly and cater to everyday shoppers. The mall has evolved from being just a shopping venue to being a shopping destination for groceries and grab-and-go meals, mirroring Sharjah’s experiment in building self-sufficient residential neighborhoods. The mall may appear unremarkable compared to new businesses and venues, but its public-funded nature will always put community needs above high-end clothing.
Store Directory Standouts
Al Taawun Mall remains functional with a well-rounded roster of stores addressing everyday needs and a dash of pampering. At its center is the SEWA office on the ground floor for utility payments and queries, convenient for residents tidying up the household. Fashion gets going with stores such as Damas Jewelry for dazzling accessories and affordable ready-to-wear places providing relaxed wear. Spectacle devotees have alternatives such as Al Shahama Optics and Jamil Optics for spectacles and contact lenses.
For larger shopping excursions, the mall easily joins to adjacent Al Arab Mall on the opposite side of the street, which boasts a huge Nesto Hypermarket filled with fresh vegetables, imported items, and weekend promotions that attract masses. Sweet tooth fans won’t want to miss Carthage Sweets or Al Sultan Sweets International for the Middle Eastern delights of baklava and kunafa. Home and electronics complete the set at shops such as Al Tahadi for sanitary and electrical supplies, and the Tower for seals and promotional gifts. With 50-60 or so outlets across several floors, the emphasis remains on quantity without too many options to choose from, ideal for a get-in-and-get-out errand.
Dining Options
Al Taawun Mall food is inclined towards fast, flavorful snacks that cater to the multicultural demographic of the region. Some of the cafes such as Filli Cafe have crispy parathas and chai, whereas Magic Moon Cafe has shawarma wraps and juices available for quick meals. For more substantial food, Beanstalk Restaurant has grilled meats and mezze platters, and Haj Metwally Cafe has Egyptian-style koshari and falafel.
The annexed Al Arab Mall turns up the heat with places such as L’auberge Café for French pastries and Syrian sweets and coffee at Dar Masaya Café. Budget eaters gather at Ice Cap Cafeteria for value Indian curries, and Valley Cafe 3 does it simple with burgers and salads. Prayer rooms and family seating make these restaurants accessible to all, making mealtimes more relaxed and friendly. Prices remain affordable, AED 20-50 per head achieves a full spread, best for families or single shoppers.
Entertainment and Family Activities
Fun takes a backseat to practicality here, but Al Taawun Mall still delivers light-hearted options for all ages. The third-floor hosts Foton Edutainment, a zone with interactive games and themed play areas for kids, complete with arcade setups and soft play corners. It’s not a massive amusement park, but the setup keeps little ones busy while parents browse nearby.
For more significant thrills, go to the adjacent Al Arab Mall, where indoor playtime with ball pits and climbing walls is available at Kids World. The region’s true attraction, however, is outside: Al Mamzar Beach Park, a 10-minute car ride away, for beach volleyball and picnics, and Al Khan Beach provides tranquil lagoon walks. Families tend to put a mall visit together with these places for an entire day out. Seasonal events, such as back-to-school bazaars or Ramadan bazaars, appear unpredictably, promoted on local boards, ask the mall’s information desk for current listings.
Opening Hours and Practical Tips
Al Taawun Mall operates every day from 9:00 AM to midnight, with some outlets, such as Nesto, remaining open until 1:00 AM on weekends for late-night shoppers. Fridays could open later, at 10:00 AM to accommodate for prayer schedules. With air conditioning, shoppers are kept cool year-round and can access free Wi-Fi in their common areas.
It is easy to navigate the Mall with clear signage and escalators between levels. ATMs and Exchange, including the soon-opening Al Rostamani brand, cover cash needs. While wheelchair ramps are available, calling ahead for support will allow for a smoother visit. Events will be announced for Ramadan iftars and summer sales for 2025 – follow on-line for updates on events at Sharjah Mall. An insider tip for visitors is that weekdays in the morning are easier to navigate to secure parking space and avoid lines than weekends.
Nearby Attractions
Al Taawun Mall’s surrounds sparkle with effortless add-ons. The Sharjah Expo Centre, directly across the road, is where trade fairs and cultural exhibitions happen throughout the year. Within a 5-minute drive lies Ansar Mall for further fashion shopping, or Sahara Centre for movie nights.
Nature beckons at Corniche Al Buhaira, a 15-minute drive, complete with waterfront promenades and play areas. Neighborhood schools like Victoria International School provide an additional family-focused element, and hospitals like Oriana are within reach for added peace of mind. Dubai day-trippers zip to beachy Al Mamzar in less than 10 minutes, making the mall a clever hub for emirate-hopping adventure.
Conclusion
Al Taawun Mall captures the essence of Sharjah’s humbly natural character, and that feeling of shopping, snacking, and only the moderate amounts of immaculate fun. From toiling at Nesto to sitting idle in a cafe, it’s a trusted retreat for the residents and visitors alike. Its located-an active neighborhood where lagoones are at the mall’s front door, and invites sleepy afternoons pouring into relaxed evenings. Taking the keys or a public bus, plunge into each of these few-and-far-between locales that are worth every experience, it’s the kind of place to do errands on autopilot. So, everyday magic, if you’re open to it, is a few blocks or drive away.
